Western Travel | ITINERARY

Flights of the geese, then skiers

March 30-April 3: The arrival of hundreds of thousands of Aleutian geese ushers in a greater celebration of California's north coast at the Aleutian Goose Festival. Visitors can witness the goose fly-off at dawn and take trips to see them feeding. The festival also offers other wildlife and birding jaunts, including owl viewings, a lighthouse tour, a nature photography workshop and boating trips, from kayaks to a 44-foot charter, along the redwood-studded Smith River and offshore islands, where seals, sea lions and whales pass. There are also presentations by ornithologists, biologists, botanists, naturalists, historians and American Indians.

Event prices vary; most are in the $20 to $45 range. Water excursions depend on the weather. Trips depart from the Crescent City Cultural Center at 1001 Front St. All events require registration. To register or for more information: (707) 465-0888, www.aleutiangoosefestival.org.

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Teton Village, Wyo.

March 18-April 2: Blues Traveler's free March 25 concert headlines a slew of events scheduled at the Jackson Hole Mountain Tram Days Celebration. Daredevils can get adrenaline rushes by competing in the open giant slalom race (March 19), the rough-and-tumble Rondonee Rally ski mountaineering race (March 25) and the Pole, Pedal, Paddle alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biking and boating challenge (April 1). Thrill-seekers can also behold 100 of the nation's best free-skiing schussers risking life and limb in the Jackson Hole Free Ski Open (March 22-23).

April 7-9: Your best sand castle has nothing on these Michelangelos of the beach. But determined amateurs can join master sand sculptors from the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands at Texas SandFest. While the masters work 21 hours on their sculptures, aspiring artists can participate in free sand-sculpting demonstrations and lessons. There will also be live music, a kids' tent, food, jewelry and crafts.

Midway between Avenue G and Access Road 1A, about a mile south of the Horace Coldwell pier, near Beach Markers 9 and 10. For information: (800) 452-6278, www.texassandfest.com.